ascMcLaren Enthusiasts

Eric's 88 ford Mclaren · Joined: 23 Mar 2014 Posts: 3

New to site- I have 88mustang mclaren and my tonneau pull down motor will not release my convertible top. I've been reading this site and tried just about every idea. Nothing is working. Is there a manual release for this on my 88 mclaren or how do you raise the tonneau top higher when the top is still attached. That would help me to remove the motor. I would really appreciate any idea that would help me. Thank you

mrheehee · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 51 Location: Rome, GA

Hopefully there is a little room between the bottom edge of the top and the car to get your fingers in there and pull up as you operate the motor. If the motor runs it is likely that the gears are bad and just spin - but some upward pressure should get it going.
If not - you'll have to get creative. I've thought about what I might have to do but there's no easy solution, I think.
This is why everyone uses the "Sandy" method of leaving room for fingers when pulling down the back of the top.

Eric's 88 ford Mclaren · Joined: 23 Mar 2014 Posts: 3

Thanks for this Input. I've tried doing this multiple times and it will not release the top. The motor still works but not releasing. Very frustrating!!

Kentennis · Joined: 27 Jul 2008 Posts: 865 Location: Hudson, Fl

These tops are a pain in the ass. Mine has a problem now. The motor won't pull the tonneau cover down. Won't run. No schematic. It's an '86. Not going to be a problem till I have to put the top up and wash the car.

They could have devised a much simpler method.

mrheehee · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 51 Location: Rome, GA

Hmmm....

Make sure the motor is running in the UP direction? Other than that, it should come up if the motor is running.

Otherwise - I think if it were done carefully and correctly, a hacksaw blade could cut the screw off just above the body.

About the wiring - there are a series of safety switches to prevent the tonneau from being released if the trunk is open, because they can hit each other. If you jump a temporary hot wire to the motor it may help.
Also, the same wire energizes the release solenoid and runs the motor. This cause a reduction in the current available to the motor. I put a timer in the circuit to cut the solenoid off after 5 seconds - it works much better.

Hope that helps -

zanrock · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 9:39 pm Post subject:

I know this was posted in march but you can undo the 2, 7/16 bolts that hold the jack screw to the #5 bow. It takes awhile but it can be turned a little at a time and then you can flip the top and raise the tonneau cover